Scores of families in Maragua constituency that were affected by floods and impact of Covid 19 have benefited from relief food donated by area MP, Mary Waithera.
The office of the local legislator on Wednesday commenced the exercise of distributing food to more than 1, 000 families that have been struggling to get food among other basic necessities.
The selected residents also benefited from non-food items to cushion them from hard times occasioned by coronavirus pandemic.
Farms and houses of some families living near Maragua River were destroyed by raging floods leaving the residents without shelter and food.
Speaking during the exercise at Saba Saba Primary School, the MP said the food she has mobilized is not enough as many more people need help.
“The families whose houses were destroyed are in dire need of shelter and food and we have petitioned the national government through Ministry of Devolution to come in and assist the families with shelter,” noted Waithera.
In a recent visit by the Devolution Cabinet Secretary, Eugene Wamalwa, the constituency was given 25 sacks of rice which the MP said was not enough.
“Today we have distributed six tons of food but demand is still high considering that many people are not working due to effects of covid-19. Those who were working in restaurants, bars, hotels and beauty shops are at home and they need food,” observed Waithera.
Even before the current challenges, Maragua area has for many years been factored for relief food due to harsh climatic conditions. It is therefore obvious the current challenges have worsened an already bad situation.
The MP requested the government to hasten completion of irrigation projects to improve the food security in the area.
“There are two earmarked irrigation projects aimed to boost irrigation farming in Maragua constituency. Once the projects completed, the area will be more productive,” she added.
Elsewhere, an American based charity organization, Can-Do-Kids has spearheaded distribution of food to less fortunate in Kiharu constituency.
Led by their patron Karanja Mburu, the volunteers have been moving from house to house to give food and non-food items in efforts to cushion effects of Covid-19.
Mburu said so far they have reached 3,000 people who have been facing challenge getting food.
The organization in partnership with Murang’a Water and Sanitation Company has also been installing water tanks at public places to support washing of hands.
By Bernard Munyao
